UK travel networks prepare for Russian freeze

Transport authorities and local councils in London and across the east of England have assured there are procedures in place to "minimise the consequences" of the Russian blast of freezing temperatures and heavy snow due to hit the country this week.

Forecasters at the Met Office warned that a reversal of the jet stream will push freezing air from Russia towards the east and southeast of England -- a weather front dubbed by the tabloids 'the Beast from the East'. There was a 99% chance of freezing temperatures, with snow showers expected across the east of the country from Monday, intensifying by evening and blanketing much of the country by Tuesday. Temperatures at night are predicted to fall to around -5°C.

Transport for London and the body representing all of London's borough councils and the City of London said they were coordinating plans to "keep London moving", with TfL pledging to keep the rail and strategic road networks open and running in the even of any severe winter weather.

London boroughs themselves are responsible for 95% of the capital’s roads, with the focus on keeping key arterial roads, cycle routes and footways around bus and railway stations, hospitals and police, fire and ambulance stations open and minimising disruption. More than 100,000 tonnes of salt are available, between TfL and the combined boroughs, for gritting roads.

All transport agencies across the capital are due to work "around the clock" to minimise any disruption on the Tube, bus, rail and road networks, TfL said. On the underground network TfL pointed to "well rehearsed", including running de-icing trains overnight to keep tracks and platforms clear and safe, with points heaters and teams of staff armed with grit for DLR platforms, and London Overground trains fitted with de-icing tanks ready to traverse the network to ensure conductor rails are free of ice. Stations will also be gritted and conductor rail heating has been installed at key parts of the network.

Gareth Powell, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said the organisation had "done everything possible to ensure that we have well-rehearsed procedures in place to minimise the consequences of any wintry weather" and was co-operating with councils and emergency services to develop plans and keep the capital moving.

TfL encourages customers to check before they travel, visiting tfl.gov.uk or checking twitter feeds @TfLTravelAlerts, @TfLTrafficNews and @TfLBusAlerts on Twitter. Suffolk County Council, where a spokeswoman said the authority’s roads depots had recently taken fresh deliveries of grit and sand, have their own feed @Suff_highways, while the NHS also offered and advice for dealing with very cold weather.

Councillor Julian Bell, chair of London Councils’ transport and environment committee, said: “Boroughs are implementing their carefully prepared plans to ensure key routes are salted and cleared when necessary. Please take care when travelling in adverse conditions and check the latest travel advice and information on what is happening in your area.”

The Met Office warned some rural communities could become cut and that power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected.

On Sunday the office upgraded their snow warning for East Anglia from yellow to amber. "There is an increased likelihood of bad weather affecting you, which could potentially disrupt your plans and possibly cause travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property.

"Amber means you need to be prepared to change your plans and protect you, your family and community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast from the Met Office."

A level three cold weather alert has been called in Kent by the Met Office, which triggers actions in the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.